Changes in the arab world and development of services for the arab elderly in Israel during the last decade

The social, economic, educational and cultural changes brought about by the modernization process occurring in the Arab society in Israel have encroached upon the life and status of the elderly. The gradual abandonment of the multigenerational household has made care for the elderly, especially the disabled and frail, increasingly difficult for the younger generations. Consequent on the 1988 Community Long-Term Care Insurance Law, social clubs, day care centers and home care for the elderly have been initiated; a long term care/nursing home, until now an unknown phenomenon among the Arab population, has been established. Although the concept is slow in being accepted, to date, two years after its inception, it is nearly fully occupied. Nevertheless, a fine balance must be maintained between formal care and the responsibility of the family, so as not to harm the delicate fabric of the age-old norms and values of intergenerational relationships.